Centralia : Washington

What it's Like to Retire in Centralia

Retirement communities like Centralia in western Washington State offer the opportunity to live in the fast-growing northwest without the high price tag of Portland or Seattle. Centralia has about 15,000 people, a decided small town feel, and an interesting historic district. The Olympic Club Hotel is located within the city's Historic District. Centralia College has over 1,000 students. Centralia is located between Seattle and Portand (OR).

Where to Retire in Centralia and Home Prices

Baby boomers looking to make Centralia their retirement community will find the average home costs a little under $160,000 in late 2014, according to City-Data.com. There is at least 1 active adult community in town (see link at right for Stillwaters Estates).

What is special about Centralia

The Olympic Club Hotel is the centerpiece of the city's Historic District. Tower Street has a number of interesting antique shops. It has a fully restored train depot, a Carnegie Library (located in Washington Park), Many historically representative murals attract visitors.

What is not special about Centralia

The largest employer in the area, a coal mine operator, recently laid off several hundred workers. Fortunately the town's economy has been able to absorb this loss.

Who will like retirement in Centralia

Centralia attracts people who like living in the Northwest, particularly those who enjoy the outdoors and small town living.

Local economy is driven by

Previously coal mining had been the biggest employer. But now construction, education, agriculture, and healthcare are taking up the slack.

Climate and Physical Environment

Centralia is in southwestern Washington, approximately 76 miles south of Seattle

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